The effects of moisture on the dielectric relaxation of urethane dimethacrylate polymer and composites

J Oral Rehabil. 2001 Apr;28(4):376-92. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2842.2001.00669.x.

Abstract

Dielectric characterization evaluated the influence of sorbed moisture on urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) polymer matrix and unsilanated and silanated zirconia-silica (ZS)-filled UDMA composites. The moisture content (MC) of samples tested ranged from 0 to 7.32% with maximum values for UDMA, silanated and unsilanated ZS-filled UDMA were 3.72, 6.0 and 7.32%, respectively. Dielectric spectra were measured from 0.053 to 100 kHz and from -180 to 180;C. Small MC stiffened the polymers, which was shown by a shift of beta-peaks to higher temperatures, a decrease in the half width of bands and an increase in the change of activation energies. Higher MC resulted in water plasticizing the polymer by shifting the beta-peaks to lower temperatures. Maximum water sorption restricted the motion of the polymer chains and the b-peaks shifted to higher temperatures. Further, increasing MC shifted the a-relaxation to lower temperatures in both UDMA and composites. However, in composites with unsilanated ZS, a new relaxation occurred at high temperatures and low frequencies which was attributed to Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) polarization. Thus, in UDMA, water occurs as fragments that form non-freezing clusters. However, in unsilanated ZS-UDMA composites, bulk water can exist at the polymer-filler interface and form disordered structures of ice at low temperatures which can evaporate at high temperatures. Silanated ZS-UDMA composites function similarly to UDMA at low MC but are more plasticized at high temperatures.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Composite Resins / chemistry*
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Materials Testing
  • Methacrylates / chemistry*
  • Polyurethanes / chemistry*
  • Silanes / chemistry
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Water / chemistry
  • Zirconium / chemistry

Substances

  • Composite Resins
  • Methacrylates
  • Polyurethanes
  • Silanes
  • Water
  • urethane dimethacrylate luting resin
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Zirconium
  • zirconium oxide